Many have questioned why the Ashanti region’s fine dining industry has grown so quickly; historically, this industry was foreign to the area and was mostly associated with the cosmopolitan lifestyle of Accra, the capital.
It all began with the idea of Mr Albert Owusu Amoako, also referred to as “Dadaa” by his friends, who decided to build corporate spaces for the bourgeois after observing that the majority of the restaurants in Kumasi were neighbourhood cafes called “chop bars.”
In 2019, the Casa Ashanti Ltd. Company was established as a consequence of his idea to provide the upper echelons of society with a private, elegant, and pleasant hangout space.
In the Kumasi Metropolis, the Casa Ashanti business empire supports the “Casa Restaurant,” “Luuma Restaurant,” “Cedar Restaurant,” and “808 Bistro.”
The Kumasi metropolis and the Ashanti area as a whole have witnessed a notable increase in the acceptance and expansion of the fine dining industry as a result of this vision and the prosperous growth of these brands, which has altered the region’s hospitality industry’s phase.
Mr. Amoako mentioned during an interview that his conviction has been to solve problems.
“Yes, I was the first local guy to create a fine dining business in the region.
We had seen a growth of this industry in Accra but not Kumasi. This is why it became my personal affirmation to take up this challenge to create this for the elites, corporate guys and upper-class individuals who may need a different experience from the regular ones we were used to.
Today, many have followed suit after the successes my brands have chalked in this sector.”
“It is not a competition. I am excited at the growth. It is good for the culture of the metropolis and the region.
We have enormous potential in this hospitality area and with the right attitude, we can tap into this to boost the economy of the region and create more employment avenues for our young ones and others that look up to us.
Before I moved in, foreigners had taken over this sector but I am glad to see my fellow compatriots leading the charge now.”
“We can do more. The only challenge is the working attitude of some of our Ghanaian brothers and sisters that we employ but I’m sure with time, we shall overcome.
It stems from the fact restaurant jobs are disregarded by some parents but like I said, with the right attitude and time, we shall embrace it better than we see now.” Mr. Amoako stated.
